When Saudi Arabia was selected as the host country of year 2034 version of the FIFA Football Worldcup, Riyadh Air posted on its social media handle as "The dream has come true 
We celebrate this historic moment together, and say #أهلاً_بالعالم".
They are determined and preparing themselves for the big occasions, along with the development of Aviation industry in the GCC's biggest country.
Riyadh Air, the upcoming international airline based in Saudi Arabia, has placed a firm order for 60 A321neo Family aircraft in October this year. The agreement was signed at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, marking a significant milestone for Riyadh Air.
Riyadh Air, which has started recruiting employees and developing infrastructure, to launch operations next year, said Boeing has "restated their commitment" for the handover of the first 787 Dreamliner from an order placed in March 2023.
As Saudi Arabia is extensively preparing to host two major global events, Expo 2030 in Riyadh and the FIFA World Cup 2034, Saudi Airlines Group is set to receive 191 new aircraft.
Riyadh Air said to have received assurances from Boeing that it will receive the first of its Boeing 787 jets in time for the airline's planned first flights at the end of the second quarter of 2025.
The new planes, mega Airport (Aerotropolis) in Riyadg and the brand new carrier, are ready to compete with the regional giants, are part of the expansion plan designed to boost the Kingdom’s aviation sector.
Peter Bellew, Riyadh Air's chief operating officer, believes in the efforts of the Boeing Team, he said:
"Boeing have really advanced their plans with hiring extra people and putting in place additional support systems around the 787 programme and we have great transparency from Boeing around everything they're doing at the moment with the team in Charleston for the manufacture of the aircraft."
As per Peter Bellew, the carrier is also considering models including the Boeing 777X or more 787s and Airbus A350s amid talks with both manufacturers for a second wide-body aircraft order.
Saudia Group’s Spokesperson, Abdullah Al Shahrani, unveiled that they expect that the last of these aircraft will arrive in the Kingdom by 2032. Therefore, the fleet will boast approximately 381 planes.
“This upgrade is pivotal for enhancing connectivity and ensuring seamless travel experiences for visitors,” Al Shahrani said.
Saudi Arabia is currently making bold strides towards expanding the fleet as part of its preparations to accommodate the millions of visitors expected for both events.
In the same context, Al Shahrani announced that electric aircraft will offer swift, eco-friendly transport between host cities during Expo 2030 and the World Cup.
Furthermore, Saudi Airlines intends to double its destinations to 200 international routes by 2030. Consequently, the network will further support global access to Saudi Arabia during these flagship events and beyond.
Looking ahead, the influx of the visitors for Expo 2030 and the World Cup will further accelerate economic growth, emphasizing the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for tourism and innovation.
Riyadh Air has already hired 30 trained pilots on the B787 Dreamliner from 18 airlines around the world, 32 cabin crew and an experienced team of engineers that includes Saudis. Over the next two years the airline will hire an additional 700 pilots and 3,000 cabin crew.
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